• Source:JND
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An Indian national, Kamlesh Kumar, has been arrested in Nepal following a balloon explosion that injured Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Paudel during the inauguration ceremony of ‘Visit Pokhara Year 2025’. The incident also resulted in minor burn injuries to Mayor Dhanraj Acharya of Pokhara Metropolitan City.

The explosion occurred when balloons filled with hydrogen gas came into contact with lit candles, causing a sudden blast. The event, aimed at promoting tourism in Pokhara, was disrupted by the explosion, prompting immediate medical attention for the injured dignitaries.

Deputy Prime Minister Paudel was airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment at Kirtipur Burn Hospital, where he received the necessary medical care and was later discharged. Meanwhile, Mayor Acharya remains under medical supervision as he recovers from his injuries. Paudel was treated at Kirtipur Burn Hospital in Kathmandu and discharged on Monday, while Acharya remains under medical supervision. 

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Investigation Launched, Arrest Made

Following the incident, Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak ordered an investigation into the circumstances leading to the explosion. A committee has been formed to examine the details and determine any lapses in safety protocols.

Kamlesh Kumar, 41, responsible for inflating the balloons with hydrogen gas, was arrested after the explosion. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Basanta Sharma confirmed that a case has been registered against Kumar in the Kaski district court. Authorities are investigating whether negligence or lack of precautionary measures contributed to the accident.

A video of the explosion quickly went viral on social media, showing the moment when the hydrogen-filled balloons came into contact with the candles, leading to a sudden and intense blast. 

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Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel attended the inauguration of 'Visit Pokhara Year 2025,' an initiative aimed at attracting two million tourists. The event was overseen by a 1,050-member organising committee, led by Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, who also chairs the Directorate Committee supported by 43 subcommittees.